Today's Titanfall update ushers in the Private Match beta test and makes it a lot tougher for PC players to cheat.

Respawn Entertainment released an extensive cross-platform update for Titanfall today, which among many other things sees the launch of the Private Matches beta test. Private Matches will support two to 12 players - one to six per side - and can be played with any of the game's maps or modes. No experience will be awarded for Private Matches during the beta, nor will Challenges progress or achievements be unlocked, and there will also be no "lobby leader," meaning that any player can change the game options or start (or stop) the match countdown timer.

Other changes include the addition of party colors to the mini-map, various menu tweaks, some game balance updates and CTF scoring changes. On the platform-specific side of the coin, the Xbox One edition of Titanfall will now have a shortcut on all menus that will open the "Party" app, while the security hole that allowed PC players to "wall-hack" by modifying local configuration files has been closed. Numerous other, less exciting bug fixes have also been implemented on both the Xbox One and the PC.

The update announcement also touched on plans for the future, including more custom loadouts, better 120hz monitor support, enhanced Challenges interaction, new scoreboard icons and more. Full details of what's in store and what's coming next are up at at titanfall.com.

In all seriousness, on the rare occasions on PC when twelve organised players get together Titanfall can be ace, whilst against randoms it's positively dull. Hooray for including one of the most basic features in online FPS games, eventually!

Rainbow_Dashtruction:Any multiplayer game that didn't come with built in private matches clearly has had no work put into it. Guess I'm keeping off this stinker.

Clearly.

OT:Good to hear. Never used private lobbies (at least not recently), but glad it's there for people. It's honestly odd to see so much want for them, but I suppose that's more of a community-driven thing.

So they didn't have private matches to begin with. That's news to me. Lame news. Despite the fact the industry is moving more and more to online multiplayer, I am increasingly getting ranged up over the lack of care put into a AAA game. They were charging US$60 for an online only multiplayer game that on 2 of 3 systems cost extra a month to play, has an excuse plot no one cares about(making it a waste of time for Respawn to put in), and didn't have a standard multiplayer feature(meaning it was probably rushed in one or more aspects). That might be a reason why I'm put off buying a new console. This gen seems to be looking worst than the last(unless you got a decent PC).

That's pretty good to hear, it was one of my complaints, glad to see it finally being put in, haven't played it in a while, will have to go back to it for more Titan punching (never gets old punching a guy off your teammate)

Wow, escapist members are pretty unforgiving, I'd hate to have to apologize for anything as nothing seems to make up for it. Having private matches is unacceptable? Well only a short while after launch they put it out for free! Not good enough? ...Uhh...What WOULD make that good enough? They have to go back in time and fix it before launch?

Snotnarok:Wow, escapist members are pretty unforgiving, I'd hate to have to apologize for anything as nothing seems to make up for it. Having private matches is unacceptable? Well only a short while after launch they put it out for free! Not good enough? ...Uhh...What WOULD make that good enough? They have to go back in time and fix it before launch?

The Escapist Forums:

If it's at all possible to complain about something, come hell or high water someone around here will find a way.

Especially if it's something that has absolutely no effect on them or anything they do.

Well on a tangentially related topic (sorry no where to turn), and given the escapist's tendency to be really helpfull: Anyone on earth have a clue about the 360 version no one except me seems to care about?

Every time I finish a match and it reaches the load screen to send me back to lobby it crashes my whole xbox 360.

Normally i'ld go to the EA support forums but.....hahahaha no never, why would anyone go there? (Joke aside i did and it was fruitless)

It didn't come with private matches built in? Surely that should be standard for a multiplayer game?

that was my reaction as well. why would you not come with private matches or some form of party training room? i mean i could understand if i could have my own servers, then i could just host my own private server, but with game that does not allow private servers this sounds like an awful oversight.

Snotnarok:Wow, escapist members are pretty unforgiving, I'd hate to have to apologize for anything as nothing seems to make up for it. Having private matches is unacceptable? Well only a short while after launch they put it out for free! Not good enough? ...Uhh...What WOULD make that good enough? They have to go back in time and fix it before launch?

What wouldm ake that good enough? having crucial features on launch? how about that? And no, you can fix the past. if you released a incomplete product you released incomplete product even if you completed or for free later.There is nothing to "Forgive". Its only factual stuff, game lacked features at launch. they later patched them for free. Good on them, most either dont bother or ask money for it. Already puts them a head above most developers. does not mean we instantly forget it was missing at launch though.

Every time I finish a match and it reaches the load screen to send me back to lobby it crashes my whole xbox 360.

Normally i'ld go to the EA support forums but.....hahahaha no never, why would anyone go there? (Joke aside i did and it was fruitless)

Any help from my favorite community on the web? ._. please?

i heard some other people complain about having to restart the xbox every match as well. seems to be a rather popular problem. no fix as far as i know. But thats what you get running modern games on obsolete hardware.

Especially if it's something that has absolutely no effect on them or anything they do.

Oh, yes, trends in high profile games have absolutely no effect on gamers.

Unless someone can show that that "trend" will actually become a trend, and only if it becomes a detrimental trend within the genres or series in which that person plays, then yes it in fact has no affect on them.

And even if it does, what does bitching about a game one doesn't play have to do with it? What does it accomplish besides derailing the conversation? Would it not make more sense to go into threads about the game they play and point out "trends" ruining it? Wouldn't they be better served by requesting the makers of their preferred games not include such "trends"?

Of course they would. But that would be constructive. And god forbid anyone posts something constructive...

Snotnarok:Wow, escapist members are pretty unforgiving, I'd hate to have to apologize for anything as nothing seems to make up for it. Having private matches is unacceptable? Well only a short while after launch they put it out for free! Not good enough? ...Uhh...What WOULD make that good enough? They have to go back in time and fix it before launch?

What wouldm ake that good enough? having crucial features on launch? how about that? And no, you can fix the past. if you released a incomplete product you released incomplete product even if you completed or for free later.There is nothing to "Forgive". Its only factual stuff, game lacked features at launch. they later patched them for free. Good on them, most either dont bother or ask money for it. Already puts them a head above most developers. does not mean we instantly forget it was missing at launch though.

I'm not sure how it's so unforgivable when they're delivering free content, yes it was missing said feature but no one said it had to come with it, there's no real standard with shooters, especially when this one is trying to do things different. They didn't try and fix it via a paid DLC or put it in one of the already 3 announced DLC packs, it's totally free.

Being self entitled and blowing off the devs trying to make things right isn't going to get the devs on your side, or anyone. They've already said they're going to be adding game modes for free even before launch and that leaves players to try something new as they release them.

Left 4 Dead 2 doesn't have a deathmatch where all 8 players can fight it out with guns, or capture the flag. So clearly valve needs to get told how to do shootersTeam Fortress 2 has no team deathmatch mode, or a death match at all! How can it be missing such a basic feature as a multiplayer only shooter?

Call of duty doesn't have tanks, or even cars in the multiplayer, didn't battlefield make that standard?

GTA V launched without multiplayer, how unforgivable right? A series that never really had multiplayer to boot.

Battlefield 3 didn't have a veichleless TDM or DM mode, infact you had to pay for it if you wanted it.

There's no standard, getting upset at devs for making good with free content isn't going to help, let them know what we expect or want but to be so self entitled to blow off something everyone wanted? Kind of selfish.

Unless someone can show that that "trend" will actually become a trend, and only if it becomes a detrimental trend within the genres or series in which that person plays, then yes it in fact has no affect on them.

And even if it does, what does bitching about a game one doesn't play have to do with it? What does it accomplish besides derailing the conversation? Would it not make more sense to go into threads about the game they play and point out "trends" ruining it? Wouldn't they be better served by requesting the makers of their preferred games not include such "trends"?

Of course they would. But that would be constructive. And god forbid anyone posts something constructive...

It is a clear trend of not delivering features that used to be available (split screen, LAN games, private servers). This trend has been increasing for multiple years now. Im sure this has an effect to anyone that used such modes.

Also who said everyone bitching here did not play the game? Or does anyone not liking something must not play it?

I'm not sure how it's so unforgivable when they're delivering free content, yes it was missing said feature but no one said it had to come with it, there's no real standard with shooters, especially when this one is trying to do things different. They didn't try and fix it via a paid DLC or put it in one of the already 3 announced DLC packs, it's totally free.

Being self entitled and blowing off the devs trying to make things right isn't going to get the devs on your side, or anyone. They've already said they're going to be adding game modes for free even before launch and that leaves players to try something new as they release them.

Left 4 Dead 2 doesn't have a deathmatch where all 8 players can fight it out with guns, or capture the flag. So clearly valve needs to get told how to do shootersTeam Fortress 2 has no team deathmatch mode, or a death match at all! How can it be missing such a basic feature as a multiplayer only shooter?

Call of duty doesn't have tanks, or even cars in the multiplayer, didn't battlefield make that standard?

GTA V launched without multiplayer, how unforgivable right? A series that never really had multiplayer to boot.

Battlefield 3 didn't have a veichleless TDM or DM mode, infact you had to pay for it if you wanted it.

There's no standard, getting upset at devs for making good with free content isn't going to help, let them know what we expect or want but to be so self entitled to blow off something everyone wanted? Kind of selfish.[/quote]Here is the content that used to be available with every game. We did not include it at all when selling you the game. Now we are actually letting you have that content, we are so generous! you can now use content that every older game had included, completely free, except after you buy our game.Paid DLC is in itself a discussion, one that shouldnt be needed but is.

I dont want "Devs on my side". i want them to make a compelling product at launch.

L2D2 and TF2 are no angels either. Just because some people glorify valve foes not mean everyone does.Call of Duty has recieved its share of scorn for not including vehicles too btw.

GTA was never a multiplayer game. In fact the first non-mod multiplayer showed up on GTA 4, arguably a 10th game in the series. Multiplayer does not have to be in every game and a long history of GTA shown that it works perfectly fine as a singleplayer game.

Also you seem to be missing the point, its not game modes, its game functions that we are missing. private servers/matches is a function, not game mode.

Two REALLY good things coming out of this patch, for the xbox one, at least.... Being able to have private matches will allow us to better learn the maps, which is a necessity. But for me, the biggest thing this patch fixes is the GEN 5 Gooser challenge. Killing 50 ejecting pilots is a serious pain in the butt. Now, you only have to kill 5. I have four to go, mind you, because everything resets when you regen, but 4 is sooo much better than 49.

Rainbow_Dashtruction:Any multiplayer game that didn't come with built in private matches clearly has had no work put into it. Guess I'm keeping off this stinker.

Clearly.

OT:Good to hear. Never used private lobbies (at least not recently), but glad it's there for people. It's honestly odd to see so much want for them, but I suppose that's more of a community-driven thing.

Its just liking playing in a paintball tournament. Teams always want to have the chance to "walk the field" before they play it, so they can look for sweet spots and such. It is a strategic advantage to know the map like the back of your hand, and unless you arent contributing to your team during the game, you really couldnt explore the maps during your matches before now.

Snotnarok:Wow, escapist members are pretty unforgiving, I'd hate to have to apologize for anything as nothing seems to make up for it. Having private matches is unacceptable? Well only a short while after launch they put it out for free! Not good enough? ...Uhh...What WOULD make that good enough? They have to go back in time and fix it before launch?

cricket chirps:Well on a tangentially related topic (sorry no where to turn), and given the escapist's tendency to be really helpfull: Anyone on earth have a clue about the 360 version no one except me seems to care about?

Every time I finish a match and it reaches the load screen to send me back to lobby it crashes my whole xbox 360.

Normally i'ld go to the EA support forums but.....hahahaha no never, why would anyone go there? (Joke aside i did and it was fruitless)

Any help from my favorite community on the web? ._. please?

Have you tried to go the Respawns forums? I know they have a very active forum for titanfall, and that might help you out a bit. It could be a start, at the very least. Also, maybe try deleting your cache, and playing it again, and see if that helps, as well.

I'm going to design, build, and market a brand new automobile and sell it for $60,000.

To save development time, it won't have door locks when it rolls off the assembly line. Meaning anyone can just get in and ride around with you.

But the car will have very shiny chrome accoutrements. And completely innovative features like four wheels and a steering wheel to control direction. Not to mention the never-before-seen mode where you can actually exit the vehicle and walk to your destination.

Pre-orders are being accepted ($60k*, cash, up-front).

*Collector's edition with pine-scented air freshener available for $80,000.

The game worked perfectly at launch it was missing game modes which they happily put out for free. The likely issue being MS wanted them to get the game out ASAP to help sell consoles. No one really knows why things weren't implemented but the fact they're fixing this mistake is a good thing.

Man I'd hate to have to apologize to you when it seems like you'd slap the apology in my face because nothing is good enough. Nothing seems to satisfy you so I really don't have anything to say to you because it doesn't seem like it matters in any respect. Be grateful when devs try and make things up or just don't buy their game, because right now it seems like you've never been satisfied with any game made by anyone and yet still support them by buying their stuff.

I don't really care who makes the game for what, I just want to play an amusing game but getting this stuff is nice, yes we should always expect more of game makers but berating them for fixing is just ignorant.

TizzytheTormentor:That's pretty good to hear, it was one of my complaints, glad to see it finally being put in, haven't played it in a while, will have to go back to it for more Titan punching (never gets old punching a guy off your teammate)

It is a clear trend of not delivering features that used to be available (split screen, LAN games, private servers). This trend has been increasing for multiple years now. Im sure this has an effect to anyone that used such modes.

A feature present in the past doesn't necessarily have to remain ever-present. Especially if the current "thing" isn't specifically designed around that feature.

Besides, Titanfall does have a private lobby system now. It may not have launched with it but it was a promised feature that was to be included in an early update. And as we can see, Respawn has delivered.

At most, one could argue that Titanfall shipped only slightly content incomplete.

And a clear trend? I vehemently disagree. This sort of thing may be present in some of the highest profile triple-A titles nowadays, but even a cursory glance around the store of something like Steam will yield numerous contemporary titles with local play, split-screen, LAN functionality, etc.

Saying a lack of private lobbies is a prevailing trend is pure hyperbole.

Also who said everyone bitching here did not play the game? Or does anyone not liking something must not play it?

Of course not. I never said as much. Don't be ridiculous.

But when someone posts to bitch about the game, only to sum up their rant by saying something akin to "glad I didn't bother buying or playing this game", then their entire post serves no purpose beyond being a veiled jab at anyone that does play the game.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Look. I was as disappointed as the next gamer that the game shipped without private lobbies. But I also knew, going in, that it was to be an included feature shortly after launch. I also knew that even without it Titanfall was incredibly fun and, to me, worth the price of admission. So, even with that knowledge in mind, I had no qualms about buying the game at launch.

You're welcome to disagree, if you so desire, but I do not regret my purchase.

Snotnarok:Wow, escapist members are pretty unforgiving, I'd hate to have to apologize for anything as nothing seems to make up for it. Having private matches is unacceptable? Well only a short while after launch they put it out for free! Not good enough? ...Uhh...What WOULD make that good enough? They have to go back in time and fix it before launch?

Seeing your post count, I would hope this doesnt surprise you. ;)

Of course it doesn't but to the degree people whine about things that are so insignificant is pretty shocking. Some guy is chatting with me at the moment and selfish would be mild. :|

The game worked perfectly at launch it was missing game modes which they happily put out for free. The likely issue being MS wanted them to get the game out ASAP to help sell consoles. No one really knows why things weren't implemented but the fact they're fixing this mistake is a good thing.

Man I'd hate to have to apologize to you when it seems like you'd slap the apology in my face because nothing is good enough. Nothing seems to satisfy you so I really don't have anything to say to you because it doesn't seem like it matters in any respect. Be grateful when devs try and make things up or just don't buy their game, because right now it seems like you've never been satisfied with any game made by anyone and yet still support them by buying their stuff.

I don't really care who makes the game for what, I just want to play an amusing game but getting this stuff is nice, yes we should always expect more of game makers but berating them for fixing is just ignorant.

the game worked with some functions, other functions were not present. It is true that it could be MS fault here but so far we got no proof of it and the developers said MS was hands-off about it.

Apologizing is fine as long as you learn something from it. This wasnt an apology though. Your stance however is toxic. "be glad you have something" is a bad viewpoint. this allows developers abusing its costumers. No, people complain because they want it to be better. Being contempt with uncomplete product only sends a message that they can keep doing that. Did people that bought X: rebirth also had no right to complain because hey they keep buying the game?

And we are not berating them for fixing it. If anything were saying a thanks that they finally fixed a missing part of the game, but they shouldnt act like they are going above and beyond when they are merely fixing what was missing.

A feature present in the past doesn't necessarily have to remain ever-present. Especially if the current "thing" isn't specifically designed around that feature.

Besides, Titanfall does have a private lobby system now. It may not have launched with it but it was a promised feature that was to be included in an early update. And as we can see, Respawn has delivered.

At most, one could argue that Titanfall shipped only slightly content incomplete.<...>But when someone posts to bitch about the game, only to sum up their rant by saying something akin to "glad I didn't bother buying or playing this game", then their entire post serves no purpose beyond being a veiled jab at anyone that does play the game.<...>You're welcome to disagree, if you so desire, but I do not regret my purchase.

If that current "Thing" is not designed around features people want, then its bad design. Yes, they have fixed the problem now, and that is a good thing. what is bad is that they launched without one of cardinal functions of the game.<...>Or, perhaps, they are saying that they would have bought the game had it been complete? you know, the way its supposed to be done. constructive criticism and all.<....>your welcome to enjoy your purchase, as long as you realize not everyone is you.

If that current "Thing" is not designed around features people want, then its bad design. Yes, they have fixed the problem now, and that is a good thing. what is bad is that they launched without one of cardinal functions of the game.

This is assuming everyone wants that feature. Let's not project opinions, shall we?

And since when is designing something unorthodox, or different from the expected, suddenly a bad thing? We can argue till we're both blue in the face about what "must" go into an online game today, but the exclusion of a given feature doesn't automatically equate to bad design. Especially if the current design functions well and provides a specific experience.

Or, perhaps, they are saying that they would have bought the game had it been complete? you know, the way its supposed to be done. constructive criticism and all.

Given that most of the people doing the complaining have made a point, even before the game's release, of saying they have no interest in buying it, I really doubt this little "private lobby fiasco" is primary factor in their decision.

"The way it's supposed to be done"? Let's not conflate your opinion on what constitutes a "complete" game with what others think constitutes a "complete" game.

I know just as many who didn't care that the game didn't have private lobbies as those that wanted them.

The game worked perfectly at launch it was missing game modes which they happily put out for free. The likely issue being MS wanted them to get the game out ASAP to help sell consoles. No one really knows why things weren't implemented but the fact they're fixing this mistake is a good thing.

Man I'd hate to have to apologize to you when it seems like you'd slap the apology in my face because nothing is good enough. Nothing seems to satisfy you so I really don't have anything to say to you because it doesn't seem like it matters in any respect. Be grateful when devs try and make things up or just don't buy their game, because right now it seems like you've never been satisfied with any game made by anyone and yet still support them by buying their stuff.

I don't really care who makes the game for what, I just want to play an amusing game but getting this stuff is nice, yes we should always expect more of game makers but berating them for fixing is just ignorant.

the game worked with some functions, other functions were not present. It is true that it could be MS fault here but so far we got no proof of it and the developers said MS was hands-off about it.

Apologizing is fine as long as you learn something from it. This wasnt an apology though. Your stance however is toxic. "be glad you have something" is a bad viewpoint. this allows developers abusing its costumers. No, people complain because they want it to be better. Being contempt with uncomplete product only sends a message that they can keep doing that. Did people that bought X: rebirth also had no right to complain because hey they keep buying the game?

And we are not berating them for fixing it. If anything were saying a thanks that they finally fixed a missing part of the game, but they shouldnt act like they are going above and beyond when they are merely fixing what was missing.

You are complaining about something that was never promised in the initial release but was added to the game less than 3 months after release in a free update because people wanted it. It's not standard, it wasn't promised, they added because it was asked for. That's straight up ungrateful, you want bad ethics?

Konami releasing that Castlevania game on the PSN, the one made of sprites and backgrounds from dozens of other games in packs that added up over 70 bucks total.

Konami putting out that joke of a Metal Gear demo for 30 bucks that lasts 2 hours.

Square putting out Final Fantasty all the bravest, a game that revolves around people giving up money to to enjoy an addictive microtransaction feist of nonsense.

Microsoft trying to push always online DRM to manage how people play games and then insulting their consumer base by saying the consumers are to blame for lack of innovation and progress in technology.

Tiny Thief coming that cost people money to unlock the full game, they change their purchase policy and people who previously bought the game can now only access the free levels and have to rebuy the content they have already paid for.

Whatever nonsense went on between capcom, marvel and disney that got all the Marvel vs Capcom 3 DLC removed from the store leaving no one to be able to access it, same happening to Grand Turismo 5.

Capcom pushing on disc dlc and outright lying it's not on there when it's been proven it is.

Ubisoft putting insulting install limits into all their games, revolking that then putting always online DRM into their games customers enduring endless down time because of attacks against the company servers because of the backlash of anger made them finally cave and make Uplay, something they force onto other DRM platforms such as steam and origin.

Maxis and EA lying about Always online DRM being mandatory for their Sim City game, being proven wrong, lying about it, then finally caving after months of excuses.

Call of Duty extending their crappy rein of bullshit from 1 game a year + 60 dollars of mappacks to 2 games a year and 120 dollars in map packs to further separate the player base. ^ Even more insulting when Titanfall came out their entire CoD library went on super sale to try and spite their previous employees at Respawn in the largest childish move since capcom having a employee hospitalized from fatigue then hammering him for more excessive work upon his return.

Numerous ports to PC being insultingly bad money grabs such as Deus Ex: The Fall where the game is practically unplayable because of bugs and other issues and is not up to standards of games made even 10 years ago.

Nintendo locking games to hardware, meaning anyone who's taken advantage of a store warranty for their console will lose any of their virtual console games because they're strictly hardware locked. One guy had over 400 dollars in content and Nintendo graciously gave him ...200 dollars in credit for something that costs them nothing.

SEGA flagging youtube content makers for any kind of relation to their Shining Force series, even those who had nothing to do with it.

The numerous addictive microtransaction filled mobile games that play with peoples minds to make them spend more money.

^ That is abuse, that is things they need to be kicked in the head for, those are things that developers and publishers need to sort their shit on.

My attitude is toxic? Because they're putting out a game mode that was never listed on the box, website or anywhere else, for free, because it was asked of them by fans? They didn't lie, they didn't misrepresent their product, they didn't boast a feature that it launched without.

No I'm just realistic, nothing is free, they didn't need to do it, it wasn't promised and I'm glad they did it. Always expect more from a company but be realistic and put things into perspective. I'm grateful they did it and I hope they keep up with trying to make customers happy by putting out things they want.

You are complaining about something that was never promised in the initial release but was added to the game less than 3 months after release in a free update because people wanted it. It's not standard, it wasn't promised, they added because it was asked for. That's straight up ungrateful, you want bad ethics?

It not being promised only puts them at a disdvantage - they didnt plan on adding part of the game. Its like going to a retaurant and odering a meal and they only bring you the fork half hour after your meal. but hey, they didnt promise it before and they brought it in for free later so stop being ungrateful.

Konami releasing that Castlevania game on the PSN, the one made of sprites and backgrounds from dozens of other games in packs that added up over 70 bucks total.

Konami putting out that joke of a Metal Gear demo for 30 bucks that lasts 2 hours.

Square putting out Final Fantasty all the bravest, a game that revolves around people giving up money to to enjoy an addictive microtransaction feist of nonsense.[and so on]

And as you can easily see these examples have been hated to death. Does not mean small problems are to be ignored. Fallacy of relative privy should not be used.

No worries. I believe we're all guilty of this at one point or another. God knows I've done it before.

It not being promised only puts them at a disdvantage - they didnt plan on adding part of the game. Its like going to a retaurant and odering a meal and they only bring you the fork half hour after your meal. but hey, they didnt promise it before and they brought it in for free later so stop being ungrateful.

I know this wasn't in response to me, but I just wanted to point out that private lobbies were a promised inclusion prior to release.